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The Origins of 12 Christmas Traditions
From expecting Santa to fill socks with gifts to eating cake that looks like tree bark, some holiday traditions are downright odd. But we can explain!
CHRISTMAS
Get Paid to Watch 25 Holiday Movies in 25 Days
A job that forces you to watch and review Christmas movies—what could be better?
The Origins of 10 Popular Christmas Songs
You’ve sung them while clutching cups of hot cocoa. You’ve heard them played in shopping malls. But do you know how some of the world’s best-known Christmas carols were created?
Can You Really Get Your Tongue Stuck to a Metal Pole?
As anyone who has seen ‘A Christmas Story’ knows, licking a cold metal object can be dangerous. Here’s why you should never stick your tongue to a metal pole in winter.
Aldi Unveils Its Advent Calendars for 2024
Aldi’s shoppers, rejoice! The store’s 2024 Advent calendars are coming soon.
7 Historical ‘Wars on Christmas’
Christmas has been canceled a fair number of times throughout history.
Some Spirit Halloweens Will Become Spirit Christmas Stores This Holiday Season
The pop-up Halloween giant is hoping to become a force in the Christmas market.
How Schmaltzy Hallmark Christmas Movies Came to Rule the Holiday Season
The Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas kicks off every October. But the channel's reputation for producing feel-good holiday films began years before the annual event.
What Does “Bah, Humbug!” Actually Mean?
The meaning of ‘Bah, humbug!’ is a little more layered than what people normally attribute to Ebenezer Scrooge of ‘A Christmas Carol.’
25 Non-Christmas Things That Have Happened on December 25
Other momentous events have happened on December 25, like Washington crossing the Delaware and the birth of Jimmy Buffett.
10 of the Best Last-Minute Gifts That Will Make It in Time for Christmas
Discover 10 of the best last-minute gifts to give this holiday season, including MasterClass, Nuuly, Blue Apron, and more.
25 Things to Look for During the 24-Hour ‘A Christmas Story’ Marathon
You know Ralphie Parker’s plight by heart, but can you spot the many flubs in Bob Clark’s ‘A Christmas Story’?
The Complicated, Controversial History of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Each December, "Baby, It’s Cold Outside"—a ’40s-era American standard that some modern listeners hear as a depiction of sexual misconduct—invites a barrage of controversies, radio bans, and think pieces.
Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?
The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?
15 Vintage Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
These obscure Christmas songs from the early 20th century might become your new favorite carols.
Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat
Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.
Make These Peppermint Palmiers the Star of Your Christmas Cookie Spread
They look gourmet, but with help from a frozen ingredient chefs swear by, these cookies come together fast.
Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard Is St. Nick’s Sidekick—and Possibly a Brutal Murderer
Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper,” is a butcher whose favorite pastime is eating children. And hanging out with St. Nicholas.
What Is Figgy Pudding Anyway?
Figgy pudding might be a fixture in Christmas carol lyrics, but you've probably never seen it in person. So just what is this British dish we've been singing about for all these years?
The Most Popular Christmas Movie in Each State
How many states opted for 'Elf' over 'A Christmas Story'? Did 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' get the shaft? Discover the topography of holiday movies here.
16 Gifts Your Mom Will Love
Stressed about what to give to mom this year? From fitness trackers to DNA testing kits, the best gifts for moms run the gamut, but they can help make her holiday season even more meaningful.
How Did Eggnog Get Its Name?
The ‘egg’ part of ‘eggnog’ is obvious. The ‘nog’ is a little more mysterious—possibly involving noggins and/or grog.